Two South African citizens have been infected with the coronavirus in Karnataka amid fears of a large-scale spread of the new form of Covid19 variant ‘Omicron’.
According to the information received, both South Africans have tested COVID-19 positive with a presence of Delta variant. On Saturday, a top official said that both are sent to separate residences, and there is nothing to worry about.
Bangalore Rural Deputy Commissioner K. Srinivas said, “From 1 to 26 (November), a total of 94 people came from South Africa. Two of them are infected with the regular coronavirus. So, people need not worry.” Talking to reporters in Karnataka, he said that both the infected persons are isolated.
Noting that ten countries have been identified as high risk, the Deputy Commissioner said that all those coming from there have to undergo mandatory screening, and those found infected are being isolated. He said that between November 1 and 26, 584 people from 10 high-risk countries have reached Bengaluru.
State Health Minister K Sudhakar said on Saturday that airports had been directed that those travelling to the city from African countries will have to undergo screening despite having a negative Covid test report and will be allowed to leave the airport only after testing negative.
“Even after a negative test, they will have to stay at home, and after seven days, they will have to get tested once again, and after getting a negative report, one can go out,” he said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) held a special meeting on Friday and directed all countries to impose stricter COVID-19 measures. The new variant Omicron was first discovered in Africa, and is already identified in four different countries.Many countries already banned travel from some African countries.
Authorities in India are also vigilant, and making efforts to protect the people from another wave of coronavirus. The government imposed restrictions on selective countries.
